Christmas Vacation Manicotti Casserole

May 12, 2023May 12, 20230 1
Christmas Vacation Manicotti Casserole, a mouth-watering Italian dish
in Pasta

Prep

20 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

55 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

12 manicotti
1/4 cup butter , divided
4 1/2 cups fresh mushrooms , sliced
4 garlic cloves , pressed
1 box spinach , thawed & squeezed
1 cup ricotta cheese ( or cottage cheese that you 've whirled in the blender )
1 egg , beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups half-and-half cream or 2 cups cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded cheese ( whatever you like )
2 slices whole wheat bread
2 2 cups cheddar cheese ( combination ) or 2 cups parmesan cheese ( combination )
3 tablespoons butter , melted

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
563
Sugar
6g
Fat
43g
The Christmas Vacation Manicotti Casserole is an Italian-inspired dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or holiday gathering with friends and family. The dish consists of manicotti shells stuffed with a creamy mixture of mushrooms, garlic, spinach, and cheese, which is then covered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This combination of flavors and textures makes for a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for the winter season. While it is not the healthiest dish, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Instructions

1.Start by cooking the manicotti as directed on the package. Set aside.
2.In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.
3.Add the mushrooms and garlic and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are cooked.
4.Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
5.In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
6.Add the mushroom mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
7.Fill each manicotti shell with approximately 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
8.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
9.In a saucepan, melt 1/3 cup butter over medium heat.
10.Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
11.Gradually add in the half-and-half cream while whisking constantly.
12.Stir in the salt and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
13.Pour the sauce over the stuffed manicotti shells.
14.Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
15.In a food processor, pulse the slices of whole wheat bread until they form coarse crumbs.
16.Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese.
17.Drizzle 3 tablespoons of melted butter over the breadcrumbs.
18.Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

PROS

This dish is easy to make and is a perfect comfort food for the winter season.

The blend of mushrooms, garlic, spinach, and cheese make for a delicious and satisfyingly rich flavor.

The breadcrumbs on top provide a nice crunch to balance out the softness of the pasta.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and fat due to the cream, cheese, and breadcrumbs used.

It is important to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Some people may not enjoy the texture of the mushrooms in the filling.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish is not particularly healthy due to its high calorie and fat content, there are some health benefits to the ingredients used.
Spinach is packed with nutrients including vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as calcium and iron.
Mushrooms are low in calories and high in antioxidants, which help to support overall health.
Whole wheat bread provides a good source of fiber and can aid in digestion.

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